BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- Moravian College has named Jeff Ykoruk as the head coach of the women's soccer program effective immediately.
"With the start of the women's soccer season just weeks away, I feel very fortunate to find a coach with the background and experience that Jeff Ykoruk brings to the table," stated Director of Athletics Scot Dapp. "I am confident that his knowledge of the game and his enthusiastic approach will bode well with our team."
Ykoruk will be returning to the head coaching ranks where he spent 10 seasons as the head coach of the women's program at Ursinus College, leading the Bears to an 85-62-15 mark from 2003 through 2012. He led the Bears to the Centennial Conference playoffs six times including a finals appearance in 2007 and the ECAC Division III Tournament in 2005. He holds the most wins in the regular season, conference and playoff games in Ursinus program history. For the last two falls, Ykoruk has served an assistant men's soccer coach at Eastern University.
"A few things that attracted me to Moravian are the strong traditions of the college, the high academic standards set for students, and the successful athletic department," Ykoruk said. "The women's soccer program has a history of success on and off the field and I feel very fortunate and honored to now be a part of it."
Ykoruk will get quickly into coaching mode with the Greyhounds reporting for preseason camp on August 15 and opening the 2014 season at home on Friday, August 29 when Marywood University comes to the HUB Quad field for a 3:30 p.m. match.
"My immediate focus is to connect with the players and share my excitement and expectations with them," commented Ykoruk. "Spending time watching last year's game tape to analyze talent level and get a feel for style of play will be important leading up to preseason. Also, meeting with the staff members to create practice plans will ensure we have an organized and successful season ahead.
"Based on the talent level returning this fall and the strong incoming class, competing for a Landmark Conference championship is not out of the question. I expect the season to be challenging and also rewarding," he finished.
Ykoruk, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational behavior/applied psychology from Albright College, is also the founder and director of Right Path Soccer LLC, a company that works to develop individual players and club teams. He also served as Director of Coaching for multiple clubs in the Philadelphia area for the past 11 years.